Book Review: Many Sparrows

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob's life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do-be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

About the author:

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of "Burning Sky," recipient of three Christy Awards, "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn," Christy-nominee "The Wood's Edge," and "A Flight of Arrows."

Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.

My Opinion

This was a really interesting book with insight and a look into a time period in our country's history before even the Revolutionary War. The battles with Native Americans were happening and it was a sad time.

This book gives a really great look into people from that time period and how some white people integrated with Native Americans and vice versa.

It was an interesting read, slow at times, but in the end kept my attention waiting for the resolution to all of Clare's dilemmas. It reminded me to trust God above all things and no matter what happens in life. We don't always know why God allows things to happen but he always works things out for our good! This book was a great reminder of that!

Buy It:

You can purchase Many Sparrows for $10.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Bringing Maggie Home

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book:

Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery, and a rift spanning three generations.

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can't understand her mother's overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother's inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan-a cold case agent-cherishes her grandmother's lavish attention and affection.

When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel's painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that's been lost?

About the author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

Find out more about Kim at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.

My Opinion

This book by Kim Vogel Sawyer was so complex and deep and had so many facets! However, it was written so well that you could keep all the stories straight and it was such a great book!

It was filled with suspense, drama, mystery, love and faith that withstands it all! It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read and read until I found out what happened! It was definitely a great read and I recommend!

Buy It:

You can purchase Bringing Maggie Home for $10.39 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: My Daughter's Legacy

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last.

Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love-whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

About the authors:

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Mindy Starns at http://mindystarnsclark.com.

Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

My Opinion

I really like the format of this book and how they talk about history and present day characters. These two authors are phenomenal and I knew this book would be good and it was!

I really wish I would have read the first two books in the series because I think they would be helpful as background for these books. But after reading this book, I am searching and reading the first two because if they are as good as My Daughter's Legacy then I can't wait to read them!

Definitely recommend My Daughter's Legacy!

Buy It:

You can purchase My Daughter's Legacy for $12.74 from Amazon.com

My Daughter's Legacy' Blog Tour, Author Chat Party, and Giveaway

Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould's new book, My Daughter's Legacy. Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of My Daughter's Legacy
• One $75 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Grounded Hearts

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

About the author:

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Find out more about Jeanne M. at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.

My Opinion

Grounded Hearts was a book like nothing I have read before! I have never read a book based in Ireland during WWII and it was SO INTERESTING!

I learned so much about how Ireland stayed neutral during the war and arrested anyone from either side if they crashed or landed in Ireland. It was so interesting!

But besides the historical element being amazing, so was the other sides of this book! I love the romance element between Nan and Dutch and I also liked the midwife element.

Overall, this book was one of the best books I have read this year!

Buy It:

You can purchase Grounded Hearts for $9.21 from Amazon.com

Win It:

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Captain's Daughter

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

About the author:

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

My Opinion

I am not usually a fan of Victorian England based novels but I am such a sucker for a good love story! I love the history included in this book and it was really interesting to learn about the theater!

It had some twists and turns throughout the book and I quickly fell in love with the storyline and characters!

If you like England-based novels, this one is for you!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Captain's Daughter

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: True to You

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

It's the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite!

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another

About the author:

Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She's the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

My Opinion

I am a self-proclaimed historical fiction book lover but when I want a contemporary romance I turn to Becky Wade's books! I am a HUGE fan of Becky Wade and her great books and True to You is another great one I am recommending to everyone!

Becky Wade has again created a book that is fun, interesting with loveable characters and with a touch of romance all wrapped into a book that reminds us to trust God above it all!

I instantly fell in love with the characters and their love story and I cheered for them from the very start!  Becky Wade's books are the perfect read for reading on the beach, the deck or in the backyard while soaking up some sun this Summer!! I can't wait to read more books in this series and learn more about the other Bradford Sisters!

Buy It:

You can purchase True to You for $9.46 from Amazon.com


Do opposites really attract? John and Nora might just be the perfect match. Find out in True to You, book one in Becky Wade's new series! Genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

Celebrate the launch of Becky Wade's new series by entering to win a fabulous prize pack and $100 cash card!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of True to You
• A $100 Visa cash card
• A prize pack hand-picked by Becky

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 30. The winner will be announced May 31 on the Litfuse blog.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: In the Shadow of Denali

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book:

Their Future Depends on Unlocking the Secrets the Mountain Holds From the Past

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel near the foot of Mount McKinley--Denali as it's still called by the natives. John is the wilderness and exploration guide for the wealthy tourists while Cassidy works in the kitchen as Cook's assistant. The entire staff buzzes with excitement during the busy days preparing for the President's imminent visit. His historic trip to dedicate the new national park on his way to driving in the golden spike to officially complete the Alaska Railroad will be the beginning of a new era for all of them and place The Curry at the heart of Alaska.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice to the seasoned Alaska mountain guide, with hopes of discovering the truth about his father's death on the mountain years earlier. His father's business partner blames the guide for Henry Brennan's untimely death, but Allan cannot be at peace until he knows for sure. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

My Opinion

Alaska is definitely on my bucket list of places to see. I grew up in Montana in the mountains and I absolutely LOVE mountains and beautiful scenery. I can only imagine how beautiful Alaska, the mountains and the glaciers are.

In this book, I got to visualize all of Alaska's beauty through the eloquent words of the authors! Not only do I get to experience the beauty of Alaska but the book was full of mystery, romance, history and so much more! This is definitely a must-read especially if you have an interest in Alaska and its history! I learned so much about Denali, the history of Alaska and its people!

Buy It:

You can purchase In the Shadow of Denali for $10.16 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Door to Freedom

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book: 

It's rough and it's smooth. It's dark and it's light. It's a masterpiece. It's us. Here in Sudan. We are scared of it and drawn to it. There is an open door, and there is much opposition.

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia, who is raising her family in a Muslim country, has learned to boldly share her faith. Rania, the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab, seeks to find the reason for her sister's sudden disappearance. Mia holds some of the answers, but both women quickly discover they must each walk through their own doors to freedom, the freedom that only comes when you trust God's sovereignty more than manmade security.

Part of New Hope Publishers' line of contemporary missional fiction, Door to Freedom, the sequel to Side by Side, opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Door to Freedom also reveals some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as for the salvation of the persecutors.

About the Author:

Author of the captivating novel Side by Side, Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After 13 years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

My Opinion

Reading the first book in this series from Jana Kelley, Side by Side, was really eye opening and life changing for me. I still think about what I learned about Sudanese and Muslim culture and I have shared the book with many others who have also enjoyed it!

So when I saw there was a second book coming out, Door to Freedom, I couldn't wait to read it! It was just as inspiring and interesting as the first one! I really like the writing style of Jana Kelley - the events in the book, the culture and the characters really become real to me when reading these books.

I really recommend reading Door to Freedom and also reading Side by Side first if you haven't already! They really will be life changing and inspiring as a Christian in today's world. It reminds me how blessed I am to live in America where I am free to dress and believe how I want as a woman. I am free to pick my spouse, be friends with who I want and talk about my faith as often as I would like. What a life and experiences Jana Kelley has had in her life and you can really see them in the way she writes and how vivid she makes her books!

Buy It:

You can purchase Door to Freedom for $15.99 from Amazon.com

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Trust My Heart

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore---much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant's fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home...

About the author:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post's résumé reads as if she hasn't yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children's publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers' Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn't writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping---almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

My Opinion

With as busy as I am finishing up school, working on my blog, being a housewife and mother of 3 and working part time outside the home as an athletic trainer, there is nothing that gives me a break better than a great romance book.

And when I finally found the time to sit down, relax and read a book, I am so glad I grabbed Trust My Heart! It was exactly the kind of book I needed to rest my busy brain! I loved watching Jami and Grant's story unfold and fall in love with them as they learn to trust and love again! It was exactly the kind of sweet love story that I needed and Carol Post did a great job writing it! Can't wait to read more books by her!

Buy It:

You can purchase Trust My Heart for $8.50 from Amazon.com

Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Trust My Heart
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog.

*  Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Things We Knew

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.

After her mother's death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother's death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can't remember a bit of it.

But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother's best friend and Lynette's first crush, Nick seems to hiding things from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can't.

But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn't want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.

As their father's failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface---secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.

About the author:

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.

My Opinion

There are so many complex and serious issues discussed in this book that make it an honest, beautiful and healing book. I love the story line of both Nick and Lynette and the healing that must take place in both families in order to move forward with life.

This book was a great reminder that hope, faith and love really can conquer all. I am eager to read more from Catherine West in the future! I think she is a very talented author!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Things We Knew for $10.55 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: A Beauty Refined

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions---both for her and the gemstones---are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie---a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

My Opinion

Tracie Peterson is another one of those authors that I have known for a long time and been reading her books for as long as I can remember! When I see her name on the front of a book, I know it is going to be an awesome historical fiction.

And with A Beauty Refined, I found that to be true again. Tracie Peterson has not lost her talent or creativity or storytelling skills over the years and, in fact, she may be getting better with age! :)

This book was so interesting learning about the Sapphire trade back in the early 1900's. And as always, it was a great love story mixed in with murder, mystery and suspense!

If you love historical fiction, Tracie Peterson and this book are the one to read this summer!

Buy It:

You can purchase A Beauty Refined for $8.56 from Amazon.com

Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Beauty Refined
• A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Through the Shadows

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome---and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King's hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley---a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco's crooked politics---Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

About the author:

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she's not writing novels, she loves speaking at women's events, libraries, and book clubs.

My Opinion

I can honestly say that this Golden Gate Chronicles series has been one of my favorite series over the years to read! Each one has been interested historically, written really well, had twists and turns in the plot and always a great love story! Karen Barnett has quickly become one of my favorite historical fiction authors!

So to say I was soooo excited to read Through the Shadows was an understatement! It took all I had to hold back reading it the minute I received it in the mail and drop everything else I was doing to read it all at once!

I loved learning more about Elizabeth and watching her life unfold before her like she never imagined! I loved her second chances in life and the reminder that God truly forgives us and gives us many second chances in life!

As always with Barnett's books, this book had me on the edge of my seat wanting to read until the last page...all in one sitting! Definitely recommend Through the Shadows and the other books in this series!!

Buy It:

You can purchase Through the Shadows for $10.56 from Amazon.com

Link here: https://promosimple.com/ps/99f1

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Inheritance

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil.

Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island-and its traditional way of life-hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips's dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere.

About the author:

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than 70 of his own titles. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly 30 more books. He is known as the man responsible for the reawakened interest in George MacDonald of the last 30 years. In addition to the MacDonald titles adapted/edited for today's reader, his publishing efforts in bringing back full-length quality facsimile editions also spawned renewed interest in MacDonald's original work. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.

My Opinion

Michael Phillips may be one of my favorite Christian fiction authors of all time. I remember reading his books (many times co-written with Judith Pella) as far back as I can remember and I remember picking out his books specifically from the library because I loved them all!

So when I saw he was coming out with a new series and new book, The Inheritance, I was so excited to read another book by Phillips!

The book started out a little slow but soon picked up and was so interesting! I loved learning about Scotland and it really makes me want to go visit soon. The clash of the two stories made for a really great book and I can't wait for more in this series!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Inheritance for $17.04 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*